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Governor Lamont Releases $30 Million for Infrastructure Improvements in 46 Small Towns

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 28, 2025 at 15:27 in NEWS

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is releasing $30 million in state grants to 46 small towns in Connecticut that will be used to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements, such as road safety reconstruction projects, emergency management upgrades, sidewalk and pedestrian safety enhancements, educational and recreational facility upgrades, and other kinds of capital improvement projects.

The grants are being provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), a state program managed by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM) that delivers grants to small towns for economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects. In addition to the grants from the state, each municipality is also contributing funds, bringing the total spent on the 48 projects to $43.4 million in a combination of state, local, and other funding sources.

“Our small towns are an important part of what makes Connecticut such a special place to live and work,” Governor Lamont said. “By partnering with each town, we can help get these infrastructure projects completed so these towns can continue to thrive, remain competitive, attract businesses, and improve the quality of life for our residents.”

Towns seeking funding under this current round of STEAP grants were required to submit applications to the state by February 20, 2025. Towns selected to receive grants will soon be contacted by OPM with an official award notification and further instructions. Funding to support these grants was recently approved by the State Bond Commission, a group that Governor Lamont leads as chairperson.

The STEAP grants awarded in this round include:

Ashford: $400,000 in state funding is approved for the repaving of the Ashford Public Works Facility. This will be matched by $104,701 from the town.
Beacon Falls: $1 million in state funding is approved for Maple, Century, and Division Roadway rehabilitation and complete streets improvements. This will be matched by $927,150 from the town.
Berlin: $1 million in state funding is approved for the Berlin Peck Library reroofing and mechanical replacement project. This will be matched by $240,000 by the town.
Bolton: $427,863 in state funding is approved for Notch Road community event space. This will be matched by $89,250 from the town.
Branford: $1 million in state funding is approved for Town Center sidewalk improvements. This will be matched by $200,000 from the town.
Brookfield: $545,000 in state funding is approved for Phase 1 of the Brookfield High School athletic fields renovations. This will be matched by $230,000 from the town.
Burlington: $255,664 in state funding is approved for the Town Hall Emergency Standby/Station 1 EMS Command Center. This will be matched by $63,916 from the town.
Canaan: $620,051 in state funding is approved for critical municipal infrastructure. This will be matched by $155,014 from the town.
Cheshire: $1 million in state funding is approved Phase II of Mixville Park improvements. This will be matched by $281,800 from the town.
Chester: $796,000 in state funding is approved for the infrastructure and repair of Three Local Bridges. This will be matched by $199,000 from the town.
Clinton: $543,600 in state funding is approved for the Clinton Public Works and Emergency Management Building. This will be matched by $135,900 from the town.
Colchester: $900,000 in state funding is approved for Lebanon Avenue Airline Trail Head and Mill Street streetscape improvements. This will be matched by $220,000 from the town.
Colebrook: $412,739.02 in state funding is approved for municipal roads and parking lot renovations. This will be matched by $103,184.76 from the town.
Durham: $1 million in state funding is approved for the Shady Lane reconstruction. This will be matched by $270,000 from the town.
Essex: $1 million in state funding is approved for Phase II of the Essex Public Works Campus Improvements. This will be matched by $1 million from the town.
Fairfield: $601,170 in state funding is approved for the repaving of Phase 2 of the Reef Road pedestrian improvements. This will be matched by $150,292 from the town.
Farmington: $1 million in state funding is approved for the Tunxis Mead Improvement Plan. This will be matched by $502,000 from the town.
Franklin: $100,000 in state funding is approved for the Franklin Elementary School/Emergency Shelter Generator Engineering and Acquisition. This will be matched by $20,000 from the town.
Granby: $579,825 in state funding is approved for the Salmon Brook Park Connector and Auxiliary Parking. This will be matched by $117,000 from the town.
Hampton: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the reconstruction of Windham Road. This will be matched by $220,000 from the town.
Ledyard: $892,888.10 in state funding is approved for the Town Playground Improvement Project. This will be matched by $179,000 from the town.
Litchfield: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the reconstruction of Wigwam Road. This will be matched by $873,190 from the town.
New Canaan: $300,000 in state funding is approved for Phase 2 improvements to Waveny Park Playground. This will be matched by $325,000 from the town, and $150,000 from the Friends of Waveny Playground.
Newington: $485,610.60 in state funding is approved for the Candlewyck Park Inclusive Playground. This will be matched by $121,365 from the town.
New Milford: $1 million in state funding is approved for the reconstruction of Merryall Road. This will be matched by $316,192 from the town.
Newtown: $600,000 in state funding is approved for the Newtown Community Center Splash Pad and Storage Facility. This will be matched by $573,000 from the town, and $48,000 from community donations.
North Branford: $1 million in state funding is approved Edward Smith Library HVAC Improvements. This will be matched by $850,000 from the town.
North Stonington: $76,800 in state funding is approved for Transfer Station Permanent Pads. This will be matched by $19,200 from the town.
North Stonington: $66,721.39 in state funding is approved for North Stonington Education Center Meeting Space Upgrade. This will be matched by $16,680.35 from the town.
North Stonington: $479,775 in state funding is approved for the improvement of Three Municipal Parking Lots and Culvert Pipe Replacement on Hangman Hill and Reutemann Road. This will be matched by $119,944 from the town.
Old Saybrook: $667,948 in state funding is approved for Ferry Road Soccer Field renovation. This will be matched by $222,649 from the town.
Orange: $600,000 in state funding is approved for parking lot paving and guardrail replacement. This will be matched by $150,000 from the town.
Plainville: $672,000 in state funding is approved for the reconstruction of recreational facilities at Charles H. Norton Park. This will be matched by $168,000 from the town.
Portland: $1 million in state funding is approved for Phase II of High Street Water Main Replacement and Road Reconstruction. This will be matched by $200,000 from the town.
Preston: $450,000 in state funding is approved for Preston Community Park improvements. This will be matched by $100,000 from the town.
Putnam: $1 million in state funding is approved for Sports Complex improvements project. This will be matched by $200,000 from the town.
Ridgefield: $280,640 in state funding is approved for concrete endwall replacement on Canterbury Lane. This will be matched by $102,160 from the town.
Roxbury: $1 million in state funding is approved for the Roxbury Volunteer Ambulance Building. This will be matched by $250,000 from the town.
Salem: $168,000 in state funding is approved for Salem Center Community Building upgrades. This will be matched by $34,000 from the town.
Salisbury: $328,000 in state funding is approved for Salisbury Recreational improvements. This will be matched by $82,000 from the town.
Scotland: $248,651 in state funding is approved for Municipal Safety Complex and Community Hall repairs and upgrades. This will be matched by $27,628 from the town.
Sharon: $1 million in state funding is approved for River Road pavement and embankment stabilization. This will be matched by $700,000 from the town.
Shelton: $1 million in state funding is approved for public facility and recreational enhancements. This will be matched by $200,000 from the town.
Sherman: $230,000 in state funding is approved to repair and renovate the Scouthouse. This will be matched by $46,000 from the town.
Somers: $191,224 in state funding is approved for the Connor’s Place Playground resurfacing. This will be matched by $47,806 from the town.
Union: $120,000 in state funding is approved for rehabilitation of Holland Road. This will be matched by $24,000 from the town.
Voluntown: $1 million in state funding is approved for Congdon Road Improvements. This will be matched by $250,000 from the town.
Westport: $1 million in state funding is approved for replacement of the Cross Highway Bridge over Deadman Brook. This will be matched by $1,130,154 from the town, and $619,846 from LoCIP funding.

Governor Lamont Announces Three-Year Agreement To Provide Wage Increases for Direct Care Workers in Nursing Homes and Group Home

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 24, 2025 at 2:55 in NEWS

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration has reached a three-year agreement with SEIU 1199 NE that will result in significant wage increases for direct care workers in Connecticut’s nursing homes and group homes. As a result, the union has withdrawn its plans to strike.

“The workers in our nursing homes and group homes provide critical support and care to our most vulnerable residents, and in doing so, deserve salaries that reflect their dedicated work,” Governor Lamont said. “I am proud to reach an agreement that provides workers with a significant increase in their compensation for the next several years, while also addressing the workforce crisis facing many of our nursing and group homes. This deal protects and maintains continuity of care for thousands vulnerable seniors and individuals with disabilities. I appreciate SEIU 1199 and their President Rob Baril for working with state leaders to reach a fair deal.”

“I’m happy that the governor and lawmakers saw the true value of healthcare workers like me,” Johannah Alabi, a CNA and one of the healthcare workers who participated in negotiations with Governor Lamont’s office, said. “The last thing we wanted to do was go on strike – we’d rather remain with our residents who need us. We’re looking forward to continuing to provide care while also feeling respected and supported for the hard work we do.”

The agreement includes incremental increases in Medicaid for nursing homes and group homes over the next three years that creates a pathway to increase wages for certified nursing assistants to $26 per hour by January 1, 2028.

Celebration of Long Wharf Pier’s Designation as a National Historic Place

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 24, 2025 at 2:47 in NEWS

Celebration of Long Wharf Pier’s Designation as a National Historic Place

Join us in commemorating the designation of Long Wharf Pier as a National Historic Place.

Learn about the innovative methods that William Lanson – a free Black engineer, entrepreneur, and abolitionist – used to build the pier, the history of the pier, of New Haven Harbor, and the impact both had on the growth of New Haven. Then, enjoy ice cream and gelato!

Both events take place at the Boathouse at Canal Dock, are free, and open to the public. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Register here.

Long Wharf Pier Celebration

When: Tuesday, May 27, 2025

5:30 p.m. Historian Bruce Clouette talk
6:30 p.m. Ice cream/Gelato Social

Where: Canal Dock Boathouse, 475 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven

TREASURER RUSSELL ANNOUNCES $726 MILLION IN SAVINGS THROUGH EARLY RETIREMENT OF STATE TRANSPORTATION DEBT

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 21, 2025 at 22:05 in NEWS

Connecticut Treasurer Erick Russell today announced the early elimination of an additional $176 million of transportation-related debt, bringing the total to $570 million of debt paid off early as a result of 2024 legislative changes championed by Treasurer Russell and Governor Ned Lamont. The early elimination of debt will save taxpayers $726 million over the next decade.

“Retiring state transportation debt early benefits Connecticut taxpayers by reducing the debt burden while we continue to fund and invest in the critical transportation projects they rely on,” said Treasurer Russell. “By strategically using excess balance in the Special Transportation Fund to reduce long-term debt, we achieved savings of $45 million in the current year and $68 million annually from 2026 to 2035.

“This simple but powerful approach to fiscal management is proving to be one of the true successes of the 2024 legislative session, and it will continue to benefit Connecticut residents in 2025 and for years to come. I am hopeful that the legislature will vote this year to extend this practice in perpetuity.”

In recent years, the amount of money held in reserve in the Special Transportation Fund (STF) had grown significantly. Last year, Treasurer Russell and the Lamont Administration proposed using funds in excess of 18% of operating expenses to pay down long-term debt. That provision was adopted by the legislature for the current fiscal year only. Utilizing excess reserves to remove debt from the balance sheet improves the long-term health of the STF by lowering or removing future principal and interest payments on borrowing, known as debt service.

The Legislature is currently considering legislation proposed by Treasurer Russell that would permanently authorize the use of excess in the Special Transportation Fund to payoff outstanding transportation-related bonds. Senate Bill 1461 An Act Concerning the Treasurer’s Recommendation for the Paydown of Special Tax Obligation Indebtedness was voted out of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Earlier this year, the Office of the Treasurer was able to redeem $394 million of Special Tax Obligation (STO) Transportation Infrastructure bonds that were eligible for pre-payment. Today, an additional $176 million of bonds have been discharged with the deposit of funds with the Bond Trustee to redeem the bonds on August 1, 2025, when they become eligible for pre-payment.

In addition to the excess amounts available in the STF, an additional $34 million was used from bond reserves that were no longer needed due to the early payoffs.

More information on Connecticut’s bonding programs is available at www.buyctbonds.com.

*** END *** 

Governor Lamont Announces More Than 100,000 Connecticut Residents Being Notified This Week That Some or All of Their Medical Debt Has Been Erased

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 21, 2025 at 22:02 in NEWS

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that letters are being mailed this week to more than 100,000 Connecticut residents notifying them that some or all of their medical debt has been eliminated under the second round of an initiative his administration launched last year through a partnership with the nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt.

Under the partnership, Undue Medical Debt is leveraging investments from the state to negotiate with hospitals and other providers on the elimination of large, bundled portfolios of qualifying medical debt owed by Connecticut patients. Those who qualify must have income at or below four times (400%) the federal poverty level or have medical debt that is 5% or more of their income. (The current federal poverty level is an annual income at or below $32,150 for a family of four.) Since these medical debts are acquired in bulk and belong to those least able to pay, they cost a fraction of their face value, often pennies on the dollar.

In this second round, the state invested $575,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, and Undue Medical Debt was able to negotiate with a secondary market partner to acquire and eliminate more than $100 million in qualifying medical debt. The first round occurred in December and saw the elimination of approximately $30 million in medical debt for 23,000 of the state’s residents.

Those who have been identified for relief will receive a branded envelope and letter from Undue Medical Debt in the mail over the next several days. (To view a sample of what this letter looks like, click here.)

“Medical debt causes additional anxiety and stress when individuals and families are coping with potentially life-threatening health situations,” Governor Lamont said. “Over the next few days, more than 100,000 Connecticut residents who have been struggling to pay their medical bills will feel relief when they receive letters in the mail notifying them that their debt has been erased. I am hopeful that additional medical partners will soon sign onto this program to help more Connecticut families through further rounds of this initiative.”

“I’m very grateful for the State of Connecticut’s continued partnership in providing medical debt relief to its residents,” Allison Sesso, CEO and president of Undue Medical Debt, said. “The erasure of these debts of necessity wouldn’t be possible without community-minded leaders like Governor Lamont and his team, who believe medical debt should not be a hindrance to seeking needed care. We look forward to continuing our work in the state so families can seek healthcare with dignity.”

“Medical debt can be a crippling burden on patients, especially those who are already struggling to make ends meet,” State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey, co-chair of the legislature’s Public Health Committee, said. “Erasing medical debt for an additional 100,000 residents will greatly ease the stress they are facing and will free them up to focus on their health and well-being. Thank you to Governor Lamont and Undue Medical Debt for their leadership on this innovative program.”

Because this debt erasure occurs through the purchase of large, qualifying bundled portfolios of debt from participating partners like hospitals and collection agencies, there is no application process for this relief and it cannot be requested.

Governor Lamont intends to continue partnering with Undue Medical Debt to enact further rounds of medical debt cancellation. The governor and the Connecticut General Assembly enacted legislation that makes $6.5 million in ARPA funding available for this initiative.

Governor Lamont Applauds House Approval of His Plan To Increase the Wages of Connecticut State Police Troopers

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 20, 2025 at 17:45 in NEWS

HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is applauding the Connecticut House of Representatives for voting today to approve the agreement he negotiated with the Connecticut State Police Union that will enact pay increases for the Connecticut State Police.

The governor and the union reached the agreement in April. It must be approved by both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly for it to take effect.

“I submitted a plan to the state legislature to give pay raises to the Connecticut State Police because I believe that our state troopers deserve salaries that reflect the essential work they provide to our state and can help recruit more officers to serve in these positions,” Governor Lamont said. “Ensuring the safety of our residents requires us to invest in state troopers and their families. I am glad that the majority of lawmakers in the House supported it, and I urge the Senate to join them in approving the plan.”

The legislation that was approved today is House Resolution 17. It passed by a vote of 134 to 12, with the votes in opposition cast by Republican legislators. The agreement must next be approved by the State Senate

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is applauding the Connecticut House of Representatives for voting today to approve the agreement he negotiated with the Connecticut State Police Union that will enact pay increases for the Connecticut State Police.

The governor and the union reached the agreement in April. It must be approved by both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly for it to take effect.

N.B.S Malay live performance Hill Festival

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 20, 2025 at 16:45 in ENTERTAINMENT and BLACK NEWSENTERTAINMENT

Nbs Malay, which stands for Naturally Beautiful and Sophisticated, is a multifaceted artist and community advocate from Springfield, MA. A curator, promoter, singer, author, guitarist, motivational speaker, and actress, she has dedicated herself to nurturing local talent. For nearly seven years, she has hosted "Speak N Eat," an open mic event that has become a cornerstone of the local arts scene.

Growing up in a household with seven siblings, Malay often felt overlooked and sought creative outlets to express her emotions. She discovered solace in writing, pouring her feelings into words, and embraced all forms of creative arts, including acting. This early passion laid the foundation for her diverse artistic career.

Malay is also a published author with eight books distributed globally, reaching readers in over 167 countries. Her future aspirations revolve around inspiring others while continuing her journey of personal growth, striving to set a powerful example for her 14-year-old son.

In recognition of her contributions, Malay has been honored with multiple citations for her work in the communities of Springfield, MA, and Hartford, CT. She was named one of the 100 Women of Color and was further celebrated with the creation of "Nbs Malay Day" on September 8, 2023. Despite the challenges of being a young mother—having her son at 17—Malay persevered, completing high school and college while caring for him, often sneaking him into classes. She has been passionately pursuing her dreams since the age of seven and continues to work toward achieving greatness.

Guiding her journey is her favorite quote: "You are what you eat." To Malay, this means that you are what you believe—if you believe you’re greatness, that’s what you will become. If you believe you’re a failure, that’s what you’re telling your mind to be.the Best,

N.B.S Malay LIve performance Hill Festival New Haven Connecticut MAY 18, 2025

Nbs Malay
nbsmalay1@gmail.com
413-240-5181

More places to find me:

https://linktr.ee/nbsmalay?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=8e4cba41-442f-4563-9698-aa346f95010f

Auditions:

https://collect.wetransfer.com/board/s7sgfe8222utdmxzi20230610192546

Artsucation™ Academy Network and the Official Juneteenth Coalition of Greater New Haven: New Haven Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 17, 2025 at 9:08 in NEWS and ENTERTAINMENT

New Haven Green

New Haven, CT — April 25, 2025 — The Artsucation™ Academy Network and the Official Juneteenth Coalition of Greater New Haven proudly present the New Haven Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony, a powerful annual event celebrating freedom, unity, and community pride.

Join us on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM on the historic New Haven Green for the official city flag raising of the Juneteenth Flag. This inspiring ceremony will feature a live trumpeter, performances by talented New Haven artists, members of the Official Juneteenth Coalition, and special remarks from the Mayor of New Haven.

The Juneteenth Flag Raising marks the beginning of the city’s commemorations and honors the significance of June 19, 1865—the day enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom. This annual event is a call for remembrance, reflection, and a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to equality and justice.

Mark your calendars every year!
The New Haven Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony will be held annually on the first Monday of June at 1:00 PM on the New Haven Green.

Event Details:
Date: Monday, June 2, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: New Haven Green, New Haven, CT

Stand with us as we lift the Juneteenth Flag high, celebrate resilience, and honor the ongoing journey toward freedom and equality.

For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, please contact:
Mama Iman Hameen
info@artsucation.org
475-444-9570

www.artsucation.org

Follow us:
Instagram @ArtsucationAcademyNetwork | Facebook @ArtsucationAcademyNetwork and @TheOfficialJuneteenthCoalitionofGreaterNewHaven

Walsh Reigns Supreme: Edges Williams to earn WBC 130-lbs title

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 11, 2025 at 11:54 in NEWS

MASHANTUCKET, CT – "King" Kevin Walsh (17-0, 9 KOs) vanquished the last of his regional rivals on Saturday night, winning a hard fought 10-round majority decision over Tremaine "The Mighty Midget" Williams (20-3, 6 KOs) at the Premier Theater in Foxwoods Resort Casino.

With the win, Walsh added the WBC US Silver Super Featherweight title to his growing collection.

"Hats off to Williams, he’s a hell of a fighter," said Brockton, MA's Walsh, who stopped cross-town rival Irvin Gonzalez in 4 rounds last November to win the New England Super Featherweight title and followed up that impressive win with an electrifying 8th round knockout over Rhode Island's Ricky de los Santos in February to pick up the WBC US Silver Featherweight title.  "I got the knockdown in round 4, and I think it was the difference."

It very well may have been.  Other than the knockdown, the bout was fought on even terms over 10 rounds.  The contest began with a battle of the jabs as each man looked to establish ring generalship.

Walsh began to pressure Williams in round 3, and the former world title challenger from New Haven, CT responded with a counter left hand and several left jabs.  Just when the ‘Mighty Midget’ was settling into the fight, Walsh went on the offensive in round 4, landing a leaping right hand that dropped Williams.  The Brockton native looked to follow up, but the crafty Williams responded with a left hand and a short right hook to stave off further punishment.

The bout became a tense chess match during the middle rounds, with each fighter working angles to gain an edge.  Walsh picked up the pace in round 8, but the southpaw Williams responded with quick left hands before evading the incoming fire.

Walsh likely sealed the deal in rounds 9 and 10, pushing the pace of the fight and desperately trying to hurt his foe.  After 10 hard rounds, the crowd waited tensely as the announcer read the judges’ scorecards, with 2 judges seeing the fight 95-94 and 96-93 for Walsh, overruling the third judge who scored the fight 96-93 for Williams.

‘Savage’ Steven Sumpter stops Janer Gonzalez to win WBC 168-lbs title

In the night’s co-feature, "Savage" Steven Sumpter (11-1-1, 9 KOs) earned the vacant WBC US Silver Super Middleweight title, knocking out grizzled veteran Janer Gonzalez (23-8-1, 19 KOs) in round 6 of a scheduled 8 round bout.  Sumpter, of Lawrence, MA, took his time in figuring out the Miami based Colombian, patiently stalking him over the first few rounds looking for opportunities to counter.

"I was trying to bait him in and see what he had," explained Sumpter after the bout. "I wanted him to walk into something."

The southpaw began sitting on his punches in round 5, landing a heavy left hand that Gonzalez shook off.  Attempting to turn the tide, Gonzalez began moving forward in round 6, trapping Sumpter in the corner.  It turned out to be a costly mistake, as Sumpter landed a counter left hand that put Gonzalez on the canvas.  The Colombian beat the count and proceeded to trade, but another left hand dropped him hard, causing the stoppage at 1:42 of round 6.

Other results

Polish prospect Slawomir "The Heavy Hitter" Bohdziewicz improved to 6-0 (5), dropping Russell Harris (6-2, 6 KOs) twice in the 6th and final round for a last-minute stoppage.  The contest began with the taller Bohdziewicz plodding forward behind a left jab and heavy hooks and right hands, while the smaller, stockier Harris looked to counter with looping shots.  Bohdziewicz’s thudding shots began to take effect on the St. Louis native in round 5, as the exhausted southpaw desperately tried to survive Slaw’s onslaught. The Stamford, CT native finally broke through in round 6, dropping Harris with a jab, right hand combination. Harris beat the count, but Slaw dug a piercing left hook to Harris’ body that immediately dropped the Missourian to a knee, causing Harvey Dock to stop the bout at 2:15.

We already knew that Jacob "Lefty" Marrero (9-0, 7 KOs) was talented. Now we know that he can also overcome adversity.  The Bridgeport, CT native took on New York’s Wilfredo Flores (11-5-1, 5 KOs) in a battle of lightweights.  Marrero came out fast, landing quick counter left hands against the New Yorker.  Lefty hurt Flores in round 3, but the Mexican American shook it off and attempted to walk him down in round 4.  Flores almost stuck gold in round 5, staggering Marrero with a left hand.  The Bridgeport native leaned against the ropes, quickly composed himself and began to box, landing sharp counter shots.  Flores was never able to replicate his early success, as the quicker Marrero boxed intelligently while landing stinging lefts and rights.  Scores after 8 rounds were 79-73 (3x).

Highly touted heavyweight prospect Ali Feliz (6-0, 5 KOs) survived a scare, appearing to injure his knee after trading punches with Brandon Carmack (8-8-2, 5 KOs) in round 1 of their 6-round contest.  The bout continued after a few anxious minutes, with Feliz launching a series of head shots that dropped Carmack.  The Missouri native rose only to continue absorbing punishment, taking a knee later in the round from a big right hand.  Danbury, CT’s Feliz went in for the finish in round 2, dropping Carmack twice more, the second with a right uppercut to the stomach that dropped Carmack for good.  Time was 1:31 of round 2.

With boyhood hero Peter Manfredo Jr. looking on, Will Guilmette destroyed Tymar Miles (0-6) in his highly anticipated debut, dropping the New Yorker 3 times for a first-round knockout. The Coventry native wasted little time in making a statement, dropping Miles seconds into the fight with a left hook.  Miles beat the count, but a right to the body put him back on the canvas.  The New Yorker rose to his feet again, but the follow up assault dropped him a third time, causing referee Bryan Miner to halt the bout at 1:08 of round 1.

In an all-out war, Victor Reynoso (11-0, 7 KOs), of Providence, RI, outslugged Florida’s Chris Puryear (5-3) over 6 vicious rounds.  Reynoso launched a sneaky counter right uppercut in round 3 that dropped Puryear to his knees.  The Floridian beat the count and responded by launching his own attack in round 4, stunning Reynoso with an overhand right.  The pugilists continued to trade punches in rounds 5 and 6 before a massive right hand dropped Puryear a second time.  Puryear again beat the count, and the bloody fighters resumed trading power shots until the final bell.  Scores were 58-54 (3x).

Someone’s ‘0’ had to go when unbeaten middleweights Douglas Marroquin (6-0, 3 KOs) and Tremaine Jones (3-1, 3 KOs) collided in a 4-round slugfest.  Marroquin, a Guatemalan and Mexican fighter based in Stamford, CT, slowly broke down Jones, launching a body assault in round 1 and walking down his taller opponent behind intelligent pressure and short shots beginning in round 2.  Marroquin hit paydirt in round 3, staggering the Louisiana native with a huge right hand to the head and following up with a relentless assault.  A right to the body doubled Jones over, but he bravely absorbed the shot and survived to see the final bell.  Scores were 40-36 (3x).

Joseph Chisholm (5-0, 5 KOs) continued his string of first round knockouts, blasting out Markist Taylor (1-2) in quick succession. "J-Elite" was too much for Taylor, landing a 3-punch combination punctuated by a right hand to the body that dropped the St. Louis native for the count.  Time of the stoppage was 1:09 of round 1.

New Haven, CT’s Carlos Perez (4-0) kept his perfect record intact, pounding out a 4-round decision over Florida’s Shaquille Rushing (0-4-1).  After 2 competitive rounds, "Carlito’s Way" took control of the fight, landing 3 and 4 punch combinations to Grant’s head and body to secure the jr. welterweight bout by scores of 40-36 (3x).

Kevante Wineglass (2-0, 1 KO) picked up his first knockout, detonating a huge right hand to the head to drop debuting LaTraveon Grant (0-1) in round 2 of their jr. welterweight bout.  Grant survived the round, but the bout was stopped after round 3 on the doctor’s recommendation.

In his pro debut, Norwalk, CT based Venezuelan Victor Guerra (1-0, 1 KO) knocked out Lucien Hannah (0-4) in 3 rounds of their jr. middleweight scrap.  The boxers took turns hurting one another with right hands in round 3, Hannah early in the round and Guerra towards the end.  Guerra, of Wilmer Mendez Boxing, took advantage of his hurt opponent, following up with a two-fisted assault to the head and body that had the exhausted Hannah reeling. The New Yorker wisely chose not to continue after round 3.

David Marshall Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) made his pro debut a successful one, stopping Gabriel Costa (4-9-1, 4 KOs) in round 2 of their heavyweight bout. "Marshall Law" stunned Costa with a right hand in round 1. The Bristol, RI native dropped Costa twice in round 2, the first with a blistering left hook to the body, and the second with a heavy left hook to the head that convinced referee Harvey Dock to wave off the bout at 2:25 of round 2.

For more information about ‘Championship Jackpot 2025’ and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

INFORMATION

About CES Boxing

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast. Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as "The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.", "Mayweather vs. Gotti III" and "The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton"

Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 9, 2025 at 17:49 in NEWS

U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut

Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH GIOVANNI SOTO, 34, of West Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force identified a cocaine trafficking operation that involved the shipment of parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in New Britain and Meriden, Connecticut, as well as addresses in Holyoke and West Springfield, Massachusetts. The organization used “runners” to pick up the parcels from the drop addresses and deliver them to Soto’s residence in Bloomfield and the residence of Soto’s uncle, Ramon Soto, in New Britain. Typically, Ramon Soto, at Joseph Soto’s direction, then delivered the cocaine to individuals in the Bronx, New York, and elsewhere, in return for payment.

During the investigation, task force members intercepted and seized 10 suspicious parcels, each of which contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine, and identified approximately 280 suspicious parcels likely containing kilogram quantities of cocaine that had been delivered to the various drop addresses.

Joseph Soto was arrested on May 1, 2023. On that date, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of his residence and seized two loaded firearms, a drum magazine, ammunition, body armor, approximately two kilograms of cocaine, drug packaging material, and approximately $12,000 in cash. One of the seized firearms was fitted with a switch making it fully automatic, and investigators also found a second, uninstalled switch. A search of Ramon Soto’s residence on that date revealed a loaded Ruger handgun, firearm magazines, ammunition, two money counters, a digital scale with cocaine residue, and more than $1,000 in cash.

On February 7, 2025, Joseph Soto pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Released on a $100,000 bond, he is required to report to prison on June 25.

Ramon Soto pleaded guilty to a related charge and, on January 8, 2025, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, and the Hartford, Plainville, and Meriden Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Levick and Konstantin Lantsman.

Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 7, 2025 at 17:44 in NEWS

Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut

205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including 5 in Connecticut

The Department of Justice today announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims – especially child victims – and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

As part of Operation Restore Justice, the following five individuals were charged in the District of Connecticut with federal child exploitation crimes:

STEVEN TAYLOR, 52, of Hartford, has been charged by indictment with production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. As alleged in the indictment and other court documents, Taylor used his smartphone and other devices to record sexually explicit videos and images of a minor female. Searches of the devices revealed more than 2,300 sexually explicit images and videos of prepubescent minors. Taylor was arrested on related state charges on October 24, 2024. On May 1, 2025, he appeared in Hartford federal court and pleaded not guilty to the federal charges. He has been detained since his arrest.

RYAN PERRY, 39, of East Hartford, has been charged by criminal complaint with transportation, receipt, and distribution of child pornography. As alleged in court documents, in January 2025, Perry, who was on state probation for prior child exploitation offenses, was arrested for probation violations stemming from a 2024 home visit. A separate federal investigation identified Perry as a possible user of a darknet site where child pornography was uploaded and shared. In April 2025, analysis of a hard drive seized from Perry revealed approximately 2,900 images and videos of child sex abuse material. Perry was arrested federally on April 29, 2025, and is detained.

STEPHEN DICKSON, 47, of Colchester, has been charged by criminal complaint with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. As alleged in court documents, in September 2023, Dickson communicated on Kik Messenger with an FBI Online Covert Employee who was posing as the stepfather of a 14-year-old girl in Connecticut. During the communications, Dickson expressed a desire and willingness to engage in sexual activity with the fictitious girl. On September 22, 2023, Dickson was arrested and charged with state offenses after he traveled to a hotel in Wallingford to engage in sexual activity with the “girl.” Subsequent analysis of computers, hard drives, and a smartphone seized from Dickson revealed several hundred images and videos of suspected child pornography, and dozens of images of female children, likely downloaded from social media sites such as Facebook, that were digitally-manipulated to remove clothing in order to create child pornography. Dickson was arrested federally on May 1, 2025, and is released on a $150,000 bond.

JOSHUA BAILEY, 45, of Milford, and ELIZABETH JORDAN, 42, of West Haven, have been charged by criminal complaint with receipt and distribution of child pornography, transmission of a live visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor, and conspiracy to do so. As alleged in court documents, on March 12, 2024, Jordan engaged in sexual activity with a minor who was 17 and livestreamed the activity to Bailey using Facebook messenger. A subsequent search of Bailey’s phone revealed a series of screenshots of Jordan and the minor engaged in sexual activity. Bailey and Jordan have been detained since August 2024 when they were arrested for related state offenses. Bailey appeared in New Haven federal court on April 29 and Jordan appeared in New Haven federal court yesterday.

“The Connecticut U.S. Attorney’s Office has long been committed to protecting children by swiftly and vigorously prosecuting offenders,” said Marc H. Silverman, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. “Sex offenders continue to find new and evolving means to commit their crimes, including using social media and messaging applications to gain access to children, and, as noted specifically in one case we are pursuing, using an AI program to digitally convert real images to create child pornography. I thank our FBI colleagues, and all the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies focusing on this important effort, for staying ahead of the technology curve to investigate child exploitation crimes and apprehend these predators.”

“At FBI New Haven, protecting children is one of our most vital duties,” said Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Our Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force works in collaboration with federal, state, and local partners to stop those who prey on our most vulnerable. Here in Connecticut, the FBI actively disrupts violent online extremist groups, sex trafficking rings, sextortionists, and other destructive criminal activity. We do this work in partnership with the community to ensure child victims are identified and receive the care they need. Whether these threats come from the real world or a digital one, the FBI will fight day and night to protect all children. We will never stop in our pursuit to find and arrest those responsible for these heinous acts.”

Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, Virginia, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, New York.

This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, by calling your local FBI field office, or by visiting www.cybertipli

Gang Member Sentenced for Obstructing Justice

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 7, 2025 at 0:47 in NEWS

U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut

JAMES GRAHAM, also known as “Little Cuz,” 25, formerly of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for an offense stemming from his participation in the 960 gang, a violent Waterbury street gang.

Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups, including the 960 gang. On September 14, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 36-count indictment charging Graham and 15 other 960 gang members with various offenses, including racketeering, narcotics trafficking, firearm possession, murder, attempted murder and assault, and obstruction of justice offenses.

On November 22, 2017, 960 members Zaekwon McDaniel, Tahjay Love, and Malik Bayon shot at Clarence Lewis and Antonio Santos who were in a car at a restaurant in Waterbury. Lewis sped from the scene at a high-rate of speed and crashed into a house at the intersection of Wolcott Street and Dallas Avenue in Waterbury. Lewis, 22, and Santos, 20, were pronounced dead at the scene. On October 19, 2019, Graham and Love, who were incarcerated in state custody, assaulted another inmate who they believed had reported to law enforcement Love’s role in the shooting.

On February 14, 2024, a jury found Graham guilty of obstruction of justice, and Love, McDaniel, Bayon guilty of offenses related to their participation in 960 and the deaths of Lewis and Santos.

Graham is currently serving a 52-year state sentence for murder, robbery, and firearm offenses related to his role in the murder of an 18-year-old victim in Hamden on November 13, 2017. Judge Dooley ordered Graham’s federal sentence to run concurrently with his state sentence.

Love, McDaniel, and Bayon await sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Waterbury Police Department, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Southington Police Department, Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the DEA Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo, who were cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter.

This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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New Haven Felon Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Gun and Drug Offenses

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 7, 2025 at 0:42 in NEWS

U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut

Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYRICK WARREN, 31, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm possession and drug distribution offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 15, 2023, after a short pursuit, New Haven Police arrested Warren for violating conditions of his state probation that followed a felony firearm conviction. During the pursuit, officers saw Warren discard multiple items, later found to be a Glock semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, and bag containing various plastic bags of crack cocaine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana.

Subsequent analysis by the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) connected the seized pistol to shell casings collected after a shooting on Winchester Avenue in New Haven on November 8, 2023, and a shooting on Hazel Street in New Haven on November 12, 2023. It is alleged that text messages from Warren’s phone further connected him to these two shootings, as well as a carjacking, robbery, and shooting on November 10, 2023.

Warren’s criminal history also includes convictions for robbery, drug, and additional firearm offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Warren has been detained since his arrest. On May 14, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

State charges against Warren related to the November 12, 2023, shooting are pending.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie T. Levick through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

TREASURER ERICK RUSSELL STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF STRIKING PRATT & WHITNEY WORKERS

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 5, 2025 at 14:59 in NEWS

TREASURER ERICK RUSSELL STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF STRIKING PRATT & WHITNEY WORKERS

HARTFORD, Connecticut – State Treasurer Erick Russell released the following statement in support of Pratt & Whitney workers who went on strike earlier today:

"This strike is about respect and not prioritizing profits over people. The machinists of Pratt & Whitney deserve fair wages, benefits, and job security for the vital role they play in Connecticut’s economy and the strength and innovation of our nation’s aerospace industry. I urge the company’s leadership to return to the table and come to a fair resolution.”

Governor Lamont Announces Launch of Connecticut’s e-Apprenticeship System

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 2, 2025 at 20:02 in NEWS

(CROMWELL, CT) – In commemoration of National Apprenticeship Day, Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo today participated in the monthly meeting of the Connecticut State Apprenticeship Council, where they announced the upcoming launch of the Connecticut Department of Labor’s new e-Apprenticeship system.

Going live on May 1, 2025, the e-Apprenticeship system will bring online the agency’s Registered Apprenticeship Training Program through the e-license system that is already in use by multiple Connecticut state agencies. The system will allow sponsor employers to register new apprentices, update information on their registered apprentices, and pay program fees, all over the internet. Additionally, registered apprentices will be able to use the system to track their progress.

The Registered Apprenticeship Training Program connects employers to registered apprentices, who can receive on-the-job training and classroom instruction, master a trade, and earn while they learn. Thousands of businesses across Connecticut have participated in the program, helping them increase their workforce recruitment and proficiency. Depending on the trade, registered apprenticeship programs may last anywhere between one and four years. Upon completion, registered apprentices receive an industry recognized, portable credential that certifies completion of the program, distinguishes the apprentice as a master of their craft, and makes the apprentice eligible to take any state occupational licensing exams.

Currently, there are more than 7,000 registered apprentices working for approximately 1,800 employers within more than 50 industries in Connecticut.

“Registered apprenticeships are a great way for employers to train and build their workforce, and for workers to receive on-the-job training and master a trade that will benefit them throughout their careers,” Governor Lamont said. “Many businesses have job openings that need to be filled by workers trained with certain sets of skills, and filling those positions through registered apprenticeships is a great way for a company to build that talent and really invest in their workforce. Bringing this program online with the e-Apprenticeship system will make it even easier for businesses and workers to participate.”

“Registered apprenticeships are tried and true training for skilled tradespeople like electricians and welders, and they are a great career pathway for other occupations,” Commissioner Bartolomeo said. “Over the past several years, employers in industries including childcare, education, health, and cosmetology have participated in apprenticeships to train their next generation workforce. Thanks to support from Governor Lamont, Connecticut’s Registered Apprenticeship program continues to expand and help employers meet their hiring needs.”

“As demand for highly skilled workers increases, pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship strategies have proven very successful in meeting both employer and industry need in training, acquiring, and retaining employees,” Todd Berch, director of the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training, said. “Registered apprenticeships are rigorous and quite distinct from internships or corporate training programs. They must meet high standards of mastery, and registered apprentices put in thousands of hours before completing the program.”

Today’s council meeting was held in Cromwell at Jessica’s Color Room Salon, the first business in the state to offer a cosmetology apprenticeship through the program. The salon’s registered apprentice completed 2,000 training hours over the course of 15 months and is now licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health as a hairdresser.

“The Office of Apprenticeship Training helped me identify exactly what we needed to do to prepare and train our registered apprentice,” Jessica Dudley, owner of the salon, said. “It was a good solution to have someone on the job who was also building skills. It also helped me start looking at issues like succession planning and how to expand my business.”

Businesses that want to participate in the program and workers who are interested in becoming a registered apprentice should visit the Office of Apprenticeship Training program’s website at portal.ct.gov/dol/divisions/apprenticeships.

The new e-Apprenticeship system can also be accessed through that website when it launches on May 1.

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Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.